In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali Madkhali, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:
After speaking about those – amongst the different factions of the Jahmiyah, the Khawaarij, the Rawafid and the Qadariyyah, and the reason behind such Takfeer – who excommunicate (Muslims) based on falsehood , Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated:
On the opposite side of these people who make Takfeer based on falsehood, there are a people who do not know the creed of Ahlus Sunnah Wal-Jamaa’ah as it should be; or they know some of it and are ignorant of some. And perhaps what they know of it, they do not clarify for the people, rather they conceal it. They do they forbid innovations in religious affairs- neither censure the proponents of innovation in religious affairs nor chastise them; rather they may censure speech regarding the Sunnah and the fundamental principles of the religion – completely – and not differentiate between what the true adherents to the Prophetic tradition say and what proponents of religious innovations and schism say; or they would affirm all their differing paths in a manner similar to how the scholars would affirm the different opinions related to affairs of Ijtihaad in which difference of opinion is justified (or allowed). This path has overwhelmed many of the Murji’ah, some of the jurists, those pursuing the path of asceticism and the philosophers, just as it has overwhelmed – first and foremost – many amongst the people of desires and rhetoric. Both these paths are perverted, outside the Kitaab [i.e. The Qur’aan] and the Prophetic tradition”. [2]
After quoting the statement of Shaikh Al-Islam, Al-Allamah Rabee stated:
“I say, may Allah have mercy on Ibn Tamiyyah. Indeed, he clarified the situation of the people of his era and those before them, then what if he saw the situation of many amongst the Al-Jamaa’aat Al-Hizbiyyah Wal-Bid’iyyah [The Groups of Illegal Partisanship and Innovations in religious affairs] who ascribe themselves to true adherents to the Prophetic tradition and take cover behind him- in particular – to promote their falsehoods. What if he saw them whilst they have definitely gathered between the paths of the two groups- the khawaarij and those who follow their way in pronouncing Takfeer in the subject matter of Al-Haakimiyyah and the way of the Mur’jiah in the manner they approach the affair of people who are upon the major and numerous innovations in religious affairs, and equating innovation in religion to those affairs of the religion in which Ijtihaad is justified, whose people are rewarded alongside a refutation against their mistakes. In the view of these people, the leaders of Misguidance and innovation in religion are just like the Imams of Guidance and Sunnah. [3]
Finally, Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah stated:
Rather what is obligatory is to clarify that which Allah sent His Messengers with and (revealed) in His Books – propagate that which the Messengers brought from Allah and fulfill the covenant which Allah took from the scholars. Therefore, it is obligatory to know that which the Messengers brought, believe in it, propagate it, call to it, striving with it, weigh up all that which the people embark upon – (statements, actions, religious fundamentals and subsidiary issues pertaining to the apparent actions of the Limbs and affairs related to actions of the heart)- under the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger; neither following desires (through) customs, a school of law, a religious order, a leader or a predecessor; neither following conjecture through a weak hadith nor corrupt analogy, regardless whether it is an analogy that offers some degree of certainty or not; nor blindly following someone whom it is not obligated to follow his statement and deed, because indeed Allaah -in His Book – censured those who follow conjecture and that which their souls desire, whilst they abandon that which came to them from their Lord of Guidance. [4]
[1]Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 12/467-468]
[2] Al-Mukhtaaraat Al-Bahiyyah Min Kutub Shaikh Al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah. Pages 62-63]
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Madkhalee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
By Allah! Islam and the Muslims are not ruined except by these categories of (people) amongst the people of bidah and misguidance- the khawarij and those similar to them, and those who are worse, such as the rawaafid. The rawaafid are worse than the khawarij, and Ikhwaan al-Muslimoon (i.e. the sect -the Muslim brotherhood in Egypt and elsewhere) ally with them and they say: “They (rawaafid) are our brothers; the differing between us and them is like the differing between (Imaam) Maalik and (Imaam) Shaafi’ee” meaning: “The differing between us (i.e. Ikhwaan Muslimoon) and them (i.e. rawaafid shiites) is based on ijtihad, and if Imaam (Maalik) and (Imaam) Shafee’ee differ in (some) affairs, they are all rewarded; and if we (ikhwaan al-muslimoon) differ with the rawaafid shiites, then us and them are rewarded”.
O deceivers! The rawaafid (shiites) revile the Sahaabah and declare them disbelievers; they revile the wives of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him; they say that the Qur’an is distorted; they have shir’kiyyaat (beliefs and acts of major polytheism) and they deify the leaders of the Prophet’s family. So does all of this not harm them (i.e. harm their claim to Islam)? Is this not irjaa?! (i.e. O Ikhwaanis! Is this alliance of yours with the rawaafid and that the differing between you and them is like the differing between Imaams Maalik and Shaafi’ee not Ir’jaa?!) [Adh-Dhari’ah 1/162]
Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzaan, may Allah preserve him, stated:
The wars that take place between the Muslims and the splitting are only brought about by the people of desires, such as the Khawaarij, the Mutazilah and other than them! The people of desires are the ones who cause the fitnah—the Mutazilah, the khawaarij, the Rawaafid (Shiites) and other than them. Fitnah does not occur except from them and as a result of them. Who murdered Uthmaan (radiyallaahu-anhu)? Who murdered Ali (radiyallaahu-anahu)? Who were the ones that ignited the fitnah between the Muslims thereafter? It was no one else other than those people of desires. Who misled Al-Mamoon and those rulers who came after him to put Ahlus Sunnah to trial, until their Imaam Ahmad Bin Hanbal (rahimahullaah) was beaten and imprisoned? It was no one else other than the people of desires. Who brought about the imprisonment of Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) until he died in prison? It was no one else other than those people of desires! It is upon us to be cautious of these people because the end result of their fitnah leads to the splitting of the unity of the Muslims, rebellion against the Muslim rulers and splitting the Jamaa-ah of the Muslims, so that they become divergent groups and parties, which is the opposite of being one united Ummah. Paraphrased… listen to audio on this link: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2016/02/reminder-ahlul-ahwaa-i-e-the-people-of-bidah-are-the-ones-who-start-the-wars/
Also read on this link at by Shaikh Abu Iyaad, may Allah preserve him
http://www.ikhwanis.com/index.cfm
The Sab’iyyah, Raafidah and Khaarijiyyah: Historical and Contemporary Interplay Between Rafd and Khaarijiyyah: http://www.ikhwanis.com/articles/fqfejnx-the-sabiyyah-raafidah-and-khaarijiyyah.cfm
Shaikh Shamsuddeen Al-Afghaanee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
Ahlul Bidah are the ones who kindle trials and disorder. They are a chaotic people and are deprived of safety and security. They are a people of trials and disturbance as opposed to Ahlul Hadeeth Was-Sunan (i.e. those who steadfastly follow the ahaadeeth of the Prophet and his Sunnah). Have they (i.e. the people of Sunnah) committed what the people of bidah and trials have committed?! The people of bidah trespass- alongside enmity and innovation- whilst Ahlus Sunnah respond and defend (the religion).
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful The Bestower of Mercy.
Al-Allamah, The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, was asked: “When we give advice to some of those who educate and nurture the youth against the evil scholars, they say: ‘take the good they have with them and abandon their mistakes’. Is this correct?”
Answer: And all praise and thanks is due to Allah, there are scholars of the Sunnah and uprightness. Allah, Glorified be He, free from all imperfections, has not made it that you have a need of the evil scholars and the books of misguidance, while we have authentic books. Therefore, we adhere to these matters, neither go to the scholars of misguidance nor the Mubtadi’ah, nor to the books that are mixed (with falsehood). And all praise and thanks is due to Allaah, we have pure and good books, and scholars, thus, we adhere to the scholars and the authentic books. [Al-Ijaabaat Al- Muhimmah 1/144-145]
And thus do We explain the signs (to you O Muḥammad) in detail, and so that the way of the criminals may become evident (to you). [Surah Al-An’aam. Ayah 55] [1]
Imam Ibn Kathir, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
Meaning, Allah [The Exalted] stated that just as He explained what was previously explained of the arguments and evidence on the path of guidance and sound judgment, and censured argumentation and stubbornness; also, He explains the signs (proofs, evidence, lessons), which those being addressed need;
ولتستبين سبيل المجرمين
And so that the way of the criminals may become evident”.
Meaning, so that the path of the criminals – those who oppose the Messengers – may become evident. [2]
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
Those who know Allah, His Book, and the religion He has ordained are acquainted with the path of the believers and that of the criminals in detail- the two paths are visible to them, just as a path leading to its destination and the path leading to destruction is made visible. They are the most knowledgeable among the creation- the ones who benefit (the people) the most, the ones with the most useful advice and they are evidence of right guidance. This is why the Sahaabah (companions of the Prophet) have excelled over all those to come after them until the Day of Judgment because they were brought up upon the path of misguidance, Shirk, and the paths leading to destruction, and they knew them in detail; then the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] came to them and took them out from darkness (and entered them) into complete light- from shirk (polytheism) into Tawheed (pure Islamic Monotheism), from ignorance into knowledge, from misguidance into guidance, from injustice into justice, from confusion and blindness into guidance and clear-sightedness. They knew the worth of that which they received and were triumphant by way of it. They knew the worth of that which was contained in what they received since what is in opposition to the (truth and right guidance) manifests the goodness of what it opposes because affairs are made clear by way of their opposites. So, they (Sahaabah) increased in desire and love of that which they embraced, disliked, and hated that which they had turned away from. And of all the people, they had the most love for Tawheed, Imaan, and Islam, and had the most hatred for that which was in opposition to it. They were the most knowledgeable of the (right) path in detail.
As for those who came after the Sahaabah, among them, is one who was brought up in Islam but knows not what is in opposition to it. Therefore, some of the details of the path of the believers and that of the criminals became confusing to him because confusion occurs due to the weakness of one’s knowledge regarding both paths or one of them, as Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab [may Allah be pleased with him] said:
“The robust signposts of Islam will be undone one after the other when a people who grew up in Islam know not what Jahiliyyah-[Pre-Islamic Ignorance] is”.
This (statement shows an aspect of) Umar’s perfect knowledge. There is that one who is neither acquainted with the path of the criminals nor has it been made clear to him, or he has doubts and thus thinks that some of their ways are from the ways of the believers. This has occurred in this Ummah in many affairs of Creed, Knowledge, and deeds regarding the path of the criminals, the disbelievers, and the enemies of the Messengers, (which) was brought into the path of the believers by the one who does not know the (detailed distinction between) the path of believers and the path of the criminals, so he called to (this path), excommunicated the one in opposition and declares lawful that which Allah and His Messenger made unlawful, just as what has occurred with many of the people of bidah, such as the Jahmiyyah, the Qadariyyah, the Khawaarij, the Rawaafid and their ilk- among those who initiated a Bidah, called to it and excommunicated those who opposed it.
The people are four categories in this subject matter (i.e. their knowledge of the path of the believers and the criminals).
The first group is those who know the path of the believers and that of the criminals in detail– in both knowledge and action. They are the most knowledgeable among the creation.
The second group is those who are blind to both paths- those resembling animals. The path of the criminals is presented to them and they follow it.
The third group is those who concern themselves with (seeking) knowledge of the path of the believers and not its opposite- only acquainted with (the path of the criminals) by way of its opposition to the (path of the believers) and in a general way, and that all that is in opposition to the path of the believers is falsehood, even though that is not illustrated to him in detail; rather, turns away when he hears some of that which contradicts the path of the believers and does not preoccupy himself in understanding and knowing its falsity (i.e. by way of learning from the upright people of knowledge). This person is in a state (similar) to one who is safeguarded from following desires- whose heart is neither put at risk nor is he called to (such desires)- as opposed to those who are aware of (such desires) and their souls are inclined towards them, but they strive against it for the Sake of Allah. A letter was written to Umar Ibnul Khattaab [may Allah be pleased with him] and he was asked about this affair, as to which of the two men is the better- a man who is not put at risk by way of desires and does not go through its difficulties, or a man who is urged towards it but abandons it for the Sake of Allah? Umar wrote back saying, “The one who is desirous of sin but abandons it for the Sake of Allah is from ‘those whose hearts Allaah has tested for piety. For them, there is forgiveness and a great reward’”. [Al-Hujuraat.3]
The fourth group knows the path of evil, bidah, and kufr in detail and the path of the believers in general. This is the situation of many of those who concern themselves with the beliefs of the previous nations and that of the people of bidah (proponents of religious innovation). They are acquainted with (these affairs) in detail, but not with what the Messenger came with; rather they are acquainted with it in general even though they may know some of its affairs in detail. Whoever examines their books will see that. Likewise, those who know the paths of evil, oppression, and corruption in detail and are followers of it, if they repent, abandon these (affairs) and return to the path of the pious believers, then their knowledge of it will only be general. They will not be acquainted with it in that detailed manner known to those who spend their lives (studying) its regulations and ways.
The Objective: Indeed, Allah, Glorified be He, free from all imperfections, loves that one should know the path of His enemies to avoid and hate it, just as the path of His Awliyaa (close friends, allies) should be known and followed. [3]
[1]: Translation by Shaikh Abu Iyaad: https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/6_55%5D
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
Everyone who opposes the Methodology of the Prophet and His Sunnah (a) is considered part of the misguided groups. Unlawful Partisanship does not require (specific) conditions; Allah referred to past nations as unlawful partisanship groups, and He referred to the Quraysh as an unlawful partisanship group when they united and allied with various groups. They did not have an organisation or anything, thus it is not a condition to be an organisation in order to be (classified) an unlawful partisanship group. However, if this group organises itself, it increases in evil.
Blind (bigoted) allegiance to a specific thought (or idea) that contradicts Allah’s Book and the Messenger’s Sunnah, and (establishing) allegiance and enmity based on it, this is unlawful partisanship, even if not organised.
To adopt a deviant thought (or idea) and gather people around it, this is an unlawful partisanship group, regardless of whether it is organised or not. To adopt a deviant thought (or idea) and gathering people around it, this is an unlawful partisanship group, regardless of whether it is organised or not. As long as they unite for a cause (or behind someone) in opposition to the Quran and Sunnah, this is an unlawful partisanship group. The disbelievers who waged war against the Prophet did not have the organisational structure present today; nevertheless, Allah referred to them as unlawful partisanship groups. How is this so? It is because they banded together for falsehood and fought against the truth. (Allah says):
كذبت قبلهم قوم نوح والأحزاب من بعدهم وهمت كل أمة برسولهم ليأخذوه وجادلوا بالباطل ليدحضوا به الحق
The people of Nuh (Noah) and the confederates after them denied (their Messengers) before these, and every (disbelieving) nation plotted against their Messenger to seize him, and disputed by means of falsehood to refute therewith the truth. [Ghafir Ayah 5]
They are referred to as unlawful partisanship groups due to forming groups. Quraysh gathered the tribes of Ghatafan, Qurayza, and various other tribes, but they were not organised in the form of an organisation. They came together and Allah referred to them as unlawful partisanship groups, thus the Surah (regarding their affair) was named “Surah Al-Ahzab.” Were those unlawful partisanship groups organised (i.e. under an organisation)? It is not a condition that an unlawful partisanship group has to be organised (or under an organisation). If it believes in a false idea – argues, disputes, and allies for the sake of it, this is an unlawful partisanship group. Should this (commitment) become more structured (organised or under an organisation), with the mobilisation of wealth etc, it would undoubtedly deepen its unlawful partisanship and become one of the astray groups. And Allah’s refuge is sought. (1)
Listen to Hizbiyyah Is Not From Salafiyyah By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah – may Allah preserve him.
(a) Shaikh Rabee: Establishment of Proof in Declaring a Person to be an Innovator https://abukhadeejah.com/shaikh-rabee-establishment-of-proof-in-declaring-a-person-to-be-an-innovator/
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
As the (true) followers of the Prophets are characterised by their knowledge and commitment to justice, therefore, the discourse of the adherents of Islam and the Sunnah regarding disbelievers and those who engage in bidah must be grounded in knowledge and justice, rather than conjecture and desires. Due to this, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, stated, “There are three types of judges; one will enter Paradise, while two will enter the fire. A man who knows the truth and judges accordingly will enter Paradise; a man who knows the truth yet judges contrary to it will enter the fire, and a man who judges for the people based on ignorance will enter the fire”. When it is case that one who adjudicates matters of wealth, life, and honour is (threatened with) entry into the fire for failing to be a just scholar, then, what about the one who renders judgments without knowledge, particularly ahlul bidah, who address issues of faith, the core tenets of Iman, and knowledge regarding Allah, His Names, Attributes, and Actions, as well as other profound matters of knowledge. [1]
This article serves as a brief response to the assertions made by David Ben-Basat, who sought to articulate his understanding of the distinctions between Sunni and Shia, at least as reflected in this above post of his at the Jerusalem Post. However, it is imperative to emphasise that a more fitting title would be “the Distinction Between Islam and the Beliefs of the Rafidah”. This distinction arises from the fact that the tenets and practices of the Rafidah religion diverge significantly from those of Islam.
David stated: The conflict between Sunni and Shia Muslims remains one of the central features shaping the political and religious dynamics of the Middle East.
Rooted in Islamic history since the 7th century, this divide has evolved into a broad political and ideological battle, exploited by regional powers such as Iran and Turkey to extend their influence, fueling clashes between the two sects. Islam is divided into two main branches: Sunni Muslims, who make up about 85% of the Islamic world, and Shia Muslims, who represent around 15%. [end of quote]
Response: The conflict between Islam and the religion of the Rafidah was first initiated by Abdullah Bin Sabah, a Jew from Yemen. Shaikh Shamsuddeen Al-Afghani, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:
The enemies of Islam, recognising their inability to eradicate this religion (Islam), strategically infiltrated it with disbelieving agents- individuals who masqueraded as Muslims, aiming to sow confusion, trials, and tribulations, while promoting polytheism by elevating the status of the righteous and venerating their graves (through beliefs and practices) not sanctioned by Allah. Consequently, the Ummah faced trials stemming from the schemes of Abdullah Bin Saba, who asserted that Ali Ibn Abee Talib, (the Prophet’s cousin), deserved worship alongside Allah. The followers of Abdullah Bin Saba became known as the Saba’iyyah, and later as the Rawaafid (Shiites), Ismaaliyyah (Shiites), Nusayriyah (Shiites), among others within the Baatiniyyah sect. [Footnote a] They engaged in the veneration of graves and their occupants, constructing places of worship and shrines at these sites. Through such actions, they revived the corrupt practices of those (particular) Jews, Christians, and idol worshippers who strayed from the true path of the Prophets of Allah. This illustrates how the worship of graves emerged within this Ummah through the practices introduced by the Rawaafid (Shiites). [2] Read: http://www.islamagainstextremism.com/articles/bmfjr-a-brief-overview-of-the-doctrines-innovated-by-abdullah-bin-saba-al-yahudi-which-became-the-foundational-beliefs-of-the-sects-of-the-shia.cfm
Al-Allamah Muqbil Bin Hadi Al-Wadi’i, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
The Saba’iyyun are the companions of Abdullah Bin Saba, who said to Ali, “You are.. you are”- meaning, “You are the deity”. Hafidh Adh-Dhahabi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Abdullah bin Saba was from the extremists amongst the heretics- misguided and misguiding others”. Ibn Asakir, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “He was originally from Yemen- a Jew who manifested Islam, travelled around the Muslim lands to turn them away from obedience to their leaders and to bring about evil between them, and he entered into Damascus for that reason”. Abu Ya’laa, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported in his Musnad from Al-Jalaas who said, “I heard Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, saying to Abdullah Bin Saba, “Indeed, there will be thirty liars at the approach of the hour and you are one of them”. Abdullah bin Saba had followers and they were called the Saba’iyyun. They believe that Godhead is with Ali. Indeed Ali burnt them with fire during his Khilaafah. And do not think that the followers of Abdullah Bin Saba have perished, (rather) there is that leader of misguidance -khumeini, who displays (so called) jealousy for Islam, yet he destroys its pillars. Some of the ignorant ones among the Ikhwan al-Muslimoon were deceived by Khumeini, and they used to mention him on the pulpits; but when the Book titled: Jaa’a Dawrul Majoos appeared, they were shaken. They kept quiet and did not praise Khumeini. Perhaps the Muslims will take a lesson from the story of Abdullah Bin Saba and be warned against the machinations and filth of the Rafidah because their call is based on deception.[3]
Furthermore, the assertion that Islam is bifurcated into two primary branches is fundamentally erroneous. The essence of the religion remains unified; guidance stands apart from misguidance, and truth is clearly delineated from falsehood. Therefore, any notion of division within the faith is unfounded. It is, in fact, those who have strayed from the righteous path who have caused fragmentation. Conversely, those who faithfully adhere to the authentic teachings of Islam remain united in their belief and methodology. It is imperative for those who have deviated from the true teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah to renounce their misguidance and return to the path of truth. Thus, anyone who innovates into the religion is rebutted and he is guilty of splitting. Al-Allamah Zaid Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali [may Allah preserve him) said:
The innovator in religious matters is the cause for the splitting, because splitting is connected to innovation in religion and unity is connected to the Sunnah. The obligation of refuting an opposer of the truth is not lifted from the scholar due to anticipation of harm, unless it is harm he is not able to bear, so (in this case) Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear. The earth is not devoid of people of knowledge who will carry out refutation against an innovator in religious affairs and one who opposes the truth”. [4] For further insights on the various sects, please read below:
David said: Conservative Sunni rhetoric often regards Shias as heretics and even infidels, citing accusations like those against Aisha, the wife of the prophet Mohammed, of betrayal and attributing superhuman qualities to Shia imams, elevating them to a status comparable to that of the prophet himself. [end of quote]
Response: It is essential to recognise that dismissing the judgments against the Rafidah as mere rhetoric is a grave error, rooted in either misguidance or ignorance. These judgments are not mere expressions of persuasive language or the artful manipulation of words; they do not stem from the superficial techniques employed by rabble-rousers, demagogues, ideologues, or Zionists, nor do they represent eloquent discourse devoid of substance. Such a characterisation is more fitting for those who have introduced innovations into the sacred teachings of the Prophets, subsequently deriving their conclusions from these alterations. This path is reminiscent of those who strayed from the righteous ways of the noble Prophets Musa and Isa, peace and blessings of Allah be upon them, as well as those who have introduced erroneous beliefs and practices, including the Rafidah and the Khawarij. Rhetoric, therefore, is more aptly associated with these groups than with the judgments rendered by the upright scholars of Islam, which are firmly anchored in the infallible verses of the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.
Furthermore, David’s stance raises questions about his honesty; he is either misrepresenting Ahlus Sunnah as those who unjustly accuse the Rafidah or he is exercising unnecessary caution due to his lack of understanding of Rafidah beliefs, leading him to label valid refutations as rhetoric and accusations. Regardless of David’s intentions, if the Rafidah come across his statements, they might either appreciate his assistance in their Taqiyyah or regard him as poorly informed. The Rafidah are well known for disparaging Aa’Isha, may Allah be pleased with her, and their contempt for most of the Prophet’s companions, all while deifying the Prophet’s family—a belief innovated for them by the Yemeni Jew Abdullah Bin Saba. [Footnote c]
David stated: Sunni conservatives base their views on classical fatwas, such as those by 13th-century theologian Taqi al-Din Ibn Taymiyyah, who declared Shias/Shi’ites to be more heretical than Jews, Christians, and idolaters, likening them to the Crusaders and Mongols of his era. These ideological differences have spiraled into political struggles, with each side vying to dominate the region’s key states. [end of quote]
Response: David’s statement clearly highlights his ignorance of the topic at hand. Indeed, scholars who lived centuries before Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him and all of them, denounced the Rafidah and labeled them as heretics. Some even went so far as to declare the Rafidah as disbelievers, asserting that their beliefs are deemed apostasy, polytheism, and disbelief according to the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Since Abdullah Ibn Saba concocted the beliefs and methodology of the Rafidah, the erudite scholars from each generation prior to Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah have confronted the Rafidah. Here are some significant examples.
Alqamah Ibn Qays An-Nakha’i [62AH], may Allah have mercy on him, a student of the Sahabi Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
Indeed, this Shia sect has exaggerated in their veneration of Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, just as the Christians have exaggerated in their veneration of Jesus, son of Mary, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.” [5]
Talhah Ibn Musarraf [112 AH], may Allah have mercy on him, said:
“The women of the Rawaafid are not to be married, nor are their sacrifices permissible to eat, for they are people of apostasy.” [6]
Imam Malik Ibn Anas [179AH], may Allah have mercy on him, stated:
“Those who insult the companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, do not have a share or portion in Islam.” [7]
Imam Malik also said:
“Whoever insults the companions of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has no right to the spoils of war. Allah, the Exalted, said:
[للفقراء المهاجرين الذين أخرجوا من ديارهم وأموالهم يبتغون فضلاً من الله ورضواناً – (And there is also a share in the booty) for the poor emigrants who were expelled from their homes and their properties, seeking the bounty of Allah and His pleasure]. These are the companions of Allah’s Messenger who emigrated with him. Then Allah said: [والذين تبؤوا الدار والإيمان- And those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the faith]. These are the Ansar. Then Allah further stated:
[والذين جاءوا من بعدهم يقولون ربنا اغفرلنا ولأخواننا الذين سبقونا بالإيمان – And those who came after them, say, “Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethen who have preceded us in Faith].
The spoils of war are for these three groups. Therefore, whoever insults the companions of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, does not belong to any of these three groups and has no right to the spoils. [8]
Imam Abu Yusuf, may Allah have mercy upon him, the student of Imam Abu Hanifah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “I will not pray behind a Jahmi, nor a Rafidi, nor a Qadari.” [9]
Imam Ash-Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
“I have not seen anyone among the people of vain desires more deceitful in their claims or more prone to false testimony than the Rāfidah.” [10]
Imam Muhammad Ibn Yusuf Al-Firyabi [212AH], may Allah have mercy on him, said:
“I see the Rāfidah and the Jahmiyyah as nothing but heretics.” [11]
Imam Al-Qasim Ibn Sallam [224AH], may Allah have mercy on him, said:
“I have interacted with people and engaged with the scholars of theological rhetoric, yet I have never encountered a group more repugnant, more despicable, weaker in argument, or more foolish than the Rawaafid. During my tenure as a judge in the border regions, I expelled three individuals from among them: two Rawaafid and one Jahmi, asserting that individuals like you should not reside among the inhabitants of the borders.” [12]
Imam Ahmad Ibn Yunus [227AH], may Allah have mercy on him, said:
“We do not consume the sacrifice of a man who is a Rafidi, for in my view, he is an apostate.” [13]
Imam Abu Zur’ah Ar-Razi [264 AH], may Allah have mercy on him, said:
“If you see a man disparaging any of the companions of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, know that he is a heretic. This is because for us the Messenger is truth and the Qur’an is the truth. The Qur’an and the Sunnah have been conveyed to us by the companions of Allah’s Messenger. Those who seek to undermine our witnesses aim to invalidate the Book and the Sunnah, and it is more appropriate to disparage them; they are indeed heretics.” [14]
Abdur Rahman Ibn Abi Hatim, said that he inquired of his father, Abu Zur’ah, regarding the path of the Sunnah and the beliefs which the scholars have encountered in all regions. Among their remarks was: “Indeed, the Jahmiyyah are disbelievers, and the Rafidah have rejected Islam.” [15]
Imam Al-Barbahari [329AH], may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
“Be aware that all deviant beliefs are reprehensible, leading to violence. The most despicable and heretical among them are the Rāfidah, the Mu’tazilah, and the Jahmiyyah, for they seek to lead people towards negation (of Allah’s Attributes) and heresy.” [16]
Imam Ibn al-Jawzi [597], may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
“The excessive veneration of the Rāfidah for Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, led them to fabricate numerous hadiths extolling his virtues, many of which are detrimental and offensive to him. They have also introduced various jurisprudential opinions that are innovations in religion that contradict consensus. In numerous issues, which would require extensive elaboration, they have violated the consensus, and Satan has deceived them into fabricating these claims without relying on authentic sources or sound analogical reasoning. The repugnant (beliefs and practices) of the Rāfidah are too numerous to count.” [17]
The above are very few verdicts of the scholars, including the students of the Sahabah, throughout various generations that oppose the heretical Rafidah before the time of Shaikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah. Therefore, David ought to have conducted his research with integrity or chosen to avoid revealing his ignorance, as the adage states: “Silence beautifies the scholar and hides the ignorance of the ignoramus.”
David said: IRAN, AS the Shia stronghold, sees itself as the ideological leader of Shia Muslims worldwide. Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, it has sought to expand its influence by creating a “Shia crescent” that includes Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen. However, Iran’s heavy investment in supporting Bashar al-Assad’s Alawite regime in Syria has largely gone to waste, undermining its efforts. [end of quote]
Response: The term Shia Muslim remains a myth until the reality is established. Thus, we’ll quote a clarification by Al-Allamah Rabee in that regard. The Shaikh was asked: Our Shaikh, may Allah preserve you. The questioner says: What is the ruling on the common people of the Rawafid and how do we deal with them?
The Shaikh replied: The questioner differentiates between the common people and other than them. This is a good approach. The common people who neither speak ill of the wives of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, nor do they declare the companions to be disbelievers, nor do they believe that the Qur’an is distorted; however, they have some Rafd [i.e. beliefs of the rafidah] and some hatred for the companions without declaring them disbelievers and what is similar to (these deeds), these ones are misguided innovators in religious matters and we do not declare them disbelievers. (But) whoever joins their heretics in declaring the companions of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to be disbelievers, speaking ill of the wives of Allah’s Messenger, and the filthy belief that the Qur’an has been distorted, and that there is an addition and deficiency in it, this (person) is a disbeliever similar to the disbelievers of the Yahud and Nasara. There is no distinction between their common people and their scholars (in this affair).
Then the Shaikh was asked: How do we deal with them? He replied: Answer: If dealing with them is with regards to a worldly affair—business transactions and what is similar to that— it is permissible to trade with a Jew, a Christian and a Rafidi. However, as for co-operating with them in issues of religion, no. [وَلَا تَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى ٱلۡإِثۡمِ وَٱلۡعُدۡوَٲنِۚ – Do not help one another in sin and transgression. [5:2] Instead, their scholars and callers are boycotted and they are warned against. [18]
It is evident, upon careful consideration of the preceding facts, that the so-called Islamic revival in Iran under Khomeini was, in truth, a mere Rafidah revolution. This upheaval elevated the Rafidah and their beliefs, which diverge significantly from true Islam. Khomeini and his fellow Rafidah leaders can be characterized as disbelievers and heretics. Allow me to elaborate:
Ayat Al-Shaytan Khomeini: Seeking Aid From the Dead (And Stones and Mud) Is Not Shirk
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Al-Allamah Abdullah Al-Bukhari, may Allah preserve him, said:
From that which the people of knowledge have affirmed is that this religion is established on two matters: Clarification of the truth and refuting (or rejecting) falsehood and its people. The affirmation of this becomes manifest to the one who contemplates the statement of Tawhid [لا إله إلا الله] with clarification and explanation. The saying of a servant (of Allah) لا إله is a refutation against falsehood and its people- those who deify others besides Allah. The statement إلا الله is an affirmation of truth and a clarification of it. It (means) that Allah alone has the right to be worshipped and He has no partner.
Likewise, the statement محمد رسول الله is an affirmation of the Messenger ship of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and a refutation against the one who gives him a status above that and thus deifies him, or lowers the rank of his Prophethood and Messenger ship.
An Excerpt from Al-Maqaalaat Ash-Shar’iyyah pages 14-15
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, said:
All praise and thanks be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may Allāh’s peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his companions. To proceed: Indeed, the hadith that will be addressed – in this lecture – is the hadith of Hudhaifah Bin Al-Yaman, may Allah be pleased with him. He said:
People used to ask Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, about the good times, but I used to ask him about bad times fearing lest they overtake me. I said, “O Messenger of Allah! We were in a state of pre-Islamic ignorance and evil, and then Allah brought us this good (time through Islam), is there any evil time after this good one?” He said, “Yes” I asked, “Will there be a good time again after that evil?” He said, “Yes, but therein will be a hidden evil”. I asked, “What will be the evil hidden therein?” He said, “People who will follow ways other than mine and seek guidance other than mine. You will know (their) good points as well as (their) bad points”. I asked, “Will there be an evil time after this good one?” He said, “Yes, when there will be people standing and inviting at the gates of Hell. Whosoever responds to their call they will throw them into the fire”. I said, “O Messenger of Allah! Describe them for us”. He said, “They will be a people having the same complexion as ours and speaking our language”. I said, “O Messenger of Allah! What would you suggest if I happened to live in that time?” He said, “You should stick to the main body of the Muslims and their leader”. I said, “If they have no main body and no leader?” He said, “Separate yourself from all these factions, though you may have to eat the roots of trees (in a jungle) until death comes to you and you are in this state”. [Bukhari and Muslim…. The wording of the above is that of Imam Muslim]
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Yunus Ibn Abdil A’laa, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: I heard Ash-Shafi’ee, may Allah have mercy upon him, saying, “It would be better for a man to be tempted by everything Allah has forbidden, except for the sin of associating partners with Allah in worship, rather than involving himself in theological rhetoric. This is because I have encountered certain matters from the proponents of theological rhetoric that I never expected to encounter”. [1]
Ibn Aqeel [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “There is none more harmful to the Shariah than the innovators among the proponents of theological rhetoric and the ignorant Sufis”. [2]
Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said that the outcome for those who engage in theological rhetoric is uncertainty and perplexity, while the outcome for the followers of the Sofee paths is characterised by erratic and irrational behaviour along with false claims. The innovators in religious matters among the proponents of theological rhetoric have something of a resemblance to the Jews and those who innovate acts of worship in religious matters have something of a resemblance to the Christians [i.e. those Jews and Christians who deviated after the departure of their Prophets]. This is because the (proponents of theological rhetoric) deny the truth and are led to doubt, and those (who innovate acts of worship) believe in falsehood and are led to irrational behaviour. These are like the darkness in a vast deep sea, overwhelmed by a great wave topped by another great wave, topped by dark clouds, darkness, one above another; and those are like a mirage in a desert, the thirsty one thinking it’s water until he comes up to it and discovers it’s nothing. [3]
The Shaikh also said: Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said that the people in their pursuit of knowledge and religion have two innovated paths and a path legislated in the Shari’ah. The path of Islamic legislation involves examining the teachings of the Messenger, utilising them as evidence, and implementing the necessary actions. Therefore, it is imperative to possess knowledge based on the teachings of the Messenger and to act upon them, and merely possessing one of these two is insufficient. As for the two innovated paths, one of them is the path of people who engage in innovated theological discourse and this path is fraught with falsehood. Many of its adherents neglect the obligations prescribed by Allah and His Messenger, leading them to remain in a state of corruption in knowledge and action. Consequently, these individuals deviate towards false Judaism. The second path is taken by people who adopt methods to enhance their spiritual well-being, namely the followers of the Sufi paths, who introduce new forms of worship. These individuals tend to deviate towards false Christianity as they claim that by purifying one’s soul according to their prescribed methods, one will effortlessly acquire extensive knowledge of religious sciences without learning. The worship practices of many of these people are innovated, rather, they contradict the teachings of the Messenger. As a result, they continue to engage in corrupt actions and corruption due to their lack of understanding of the Messenger’s teachings because they do not know what the Messenger conveyed. Neither Allah’s Messenger nor his companions followed the path of those who introduced innovations in religion, such as the proponents of theological rhetoric, nor the path of the proponents of innovated worship and Sufiyyah. Instead, he adhered to what Allah had sent him with, which is based on the Qur’an and Sunnah. [4]
Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali was asked: May Allah reward you with good. This is also a question from the brothers who are present, saying: Assalaamu Alaykum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuhu. Virtuous Shaikh, is it permissible for me to learn (or study) theological rhetoric? Benefit me [i.e. with a response] and may Allah [The Exalted] reward you with good.
Answer: The knowledge of theological rhetoric is a corrupt knowledge and the pious predecessors – by way of consensus- declared that it is forbidden to study it due to the misguidance and evil consequences in it. Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said, “Neither does a dull-witted person benefit from it nor is an intelligent person in need of it”. An intelligent person does not need it because he is sensible in himself, in natural disposition and intellect; and a dull-witted person does not benefit from it. Even if he studied all the books of theological rhetoric, he would not benefit from it. Shaikh Al-Albani used to debate the scholars of theological rhetoric and they used to be like children in his presence, yet he never studied theological rhetoric, rather Allah granted him (sound) speech and knowledge, and there is no proof stronger than the proofs of the Kitaab [i.e. the Qur’an] and the Sunnah. The people of theological rhetoric are always defeated. By Allah, regardless of how much they (utilise) theological rhetoric and how strong they are in theological rhetoric, they are defeated in the presence of the methodology of the pious predecessors (which) is founded on the Book and the Sunnah. [5]
Imam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “Ad-Daaraqutnee hated theological rhetoric, even though he never entered into it due to its evil consequences, monotonous speech without benefit, the doubts it presents in affairs that are already established based on certainty, the confusion it causes and leading to abandonment of the (authentic) narrations. There is nothing- from what I can see or what I hold more harmful to the Muslims in their creed than theological rhetoric and philosophy. Many of the senior scholars of theological rhetoric affirmed – at the end of their lives – that they wished to die upon the religion [i.e. the religion that conforms with what is found in the Qur’an, authentic Sunnah, and understanding of the pious predecessors] and return to their natural disposition [i.e. Islam as revealed in the authentic texts]. Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said that those it is feared the most will fall into misguidance are those scholars of theological rhetoric at the intermediate level because those who did not engage in it were safe from its evils, and those who engaged in it and reached a high level became acquainted with its corruption and falsity and left it. [6]
[1] Aqeedah Ash-Shaafi’ee. Page 86
[2] As-Sawaa-iq Al-Mursalah Alal Jahmiyyah Wal Mu’attilah 4/1346
[3] An Excerpt from “Al-Mukhtaaraat Al-Bahiyyah Min Kutub Shaikhil Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah”. Page 281. slightly paraphrased
[4] Al-Mukhtaaraat Al-Bahiyyah Min Kutub Shaikhil Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah. 290-291. Slightly paraphrased
[5] An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm page 347. Slightly paraphrased]
[6] Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm page 28. paraphrased]
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
He, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Fill the world with knowledge. People are in need of this knowledge”. [Awn Al-Bari 1/70]
He, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “I have been waging war against Irjaa since I began my journey in knowledge and I will do so -InShaAllah- until I meet Allah”. [Majmu 2/177
He, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “The people of falsehood have tried and clashed against the rock of Salafiyyah; their horns have shattered. So, they resorted to this cunning method of pretending to be Salafi and claiming Salafiyyah”. [Al-Majmu 1/454]
